After decades of total darkness, residents of Mbeere North Constituency saw the light for the first time in 2025.
During the North Constituency by-election, the government installed electricity in the area through the Last Mile Connectivity and Stima Mashinani projects, bringing light to the once neglected villages.
However, the family's joy was short-lived when the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) recently started removing transformers from the area without explanation.
The residents expressed concerns that eight months later, darkness is returning to the area and demanded to be told where the transformers were being taken. Faith Kithaka, a resident, said transformers started vanishing a fortnight ago.
"Two weeks ago I saw KPLC officials remove our transformer and they have not returned it," said Kithaka from Muramba village.
Two posts stand at Rwanjeru village in Mbeere North constituency where a transformer was installed before the November 27, 2025 by-election, in this photo taken on July 6, 2026. Residents say they were not told the reason for the removal.
Residents said that the removal of the crucial electrical equipment has severely affected their lives.
They recalled that prior to the installation of electricity, they relied on candles and lanterns to light their homes.
"We were covered by total darkness for many years but the government came to our rescue during the by-election. But even before we enjoy the service, the transformers were removed," added Kithaka.
The situation was the same at Njarange village. It was here that the Nation team came across KPLC officials preparing to transport a transformer that they had removed, while residents looked on in disbelief.
“They are punishing us because our business activities have been disrupted while our children can't read at night due disconnection of power," said Mr Julius Njeru from Rwanjeru village.
Residents recalled how government officials and UDA politicians went round the area during the by-election, assuring them that they would get development if they voted in favour of the ruling party candidate.
"We gave them votes and won the by-election. In return, they connected power to our homes, but after a few months they have taken our joy away, this is inhuman," another resident said.
Residents said they felt cheated and threatened to demonstrate if the transformers were not returned immediately.
Newly elected Mbeere North MP Leonard Muthende shares a light moment with President William Ruto.
Photo credit: PSCU
However, the local MP, Leo Wamuthende, dismissed the claims, saying that some individuals had politicised a genuine exercise being carried out by the electricity utility company.
“I have noted with concerns the misleading propaganda being circulated by some individuals claiming that transformers in Mbeere North are being removed by the government. These claims are false, malicious and intended to mislead the public," he said.
He explained that KPLC is currently carrying out maintenance on transformers, particularly older units, in an effort to improve the reliability and stability of the electricity supply in the constituency.
“During the process, some transformers may be temporarily removed for servicing before being returned and reinstalled at their respective locations. No transformer is being taken away permanently nor is any community being denied electricity," he said.
He urged the residents to ignore the misinformation being spread for political gain. " Let us allow our technicians carry out their work without unnecessary interference or politicisation," he added.
Mr Wamuthende assured the residents that his office remains committed to ensuring that all electricity projects initiated in the Constituency are protected and that residents continue to benefit from improved access to reliable power.
But the residents expressed doubts, reminding the MP that some of the transformers are new and they don't require repair.
They told the MP to be truthful and reveal the location to which their transformers were being taken.
"The transformers have not been vandalised and the question of repair should not arise," another resident said.
Embu County KPLC manager Mr Vincent Okello also dismissed the claims that the transformers were being taken to Ol-Kalou, saying the company “does not play politics.”
He explained that some of the transformers were vandalised and others malfunctioned and were taken to Nairobi for repair.
"In Mbeere North, and Runyenjes, there were three transformers which were vandalised and were removed for repair," he said, adding that the matter should not be politicised.
